Ep. 109: The Beast of Gévaudan
Summary
Hosted by Ian and guest Jacob, this Disaster Hour episode explores the 18th-century terror of the Beast of Gévaudan in France. They detail the creature’s brutal attacks on civilians, the ineffective royal hunts, and the monarchy’s attempts to censor the press and blame moral decay. The story highlights the failure of official responses, from incompetent soldiers to false declarations of victory, while celebrating local heroes like Marie-Jeanne Valet who fought back.
Topics discussed
Intro, guest Jacob, and Lisa Frank dark history
Beast of Gévaudan intro and social media plugs
First attacks in 1764 and witness descriptions
King Louis XV's censorship and Bishop's prayer campaign
Failed royal hunts by Captain Duhamel and the Devons
Marie Jeanne Beco, the Maid of Gévaudan
Antoine's wolf kill, parade, and continued attacks
Local militia hunt and Jean Chastel's final kill
The rotting corpse, Gibbert's disposal, and Chastel's refusal
Beauty and the Beast movie discussion
Blame game: Gibbert, religion, and ankles
Lessons learned, Jacob's departure, and ads
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